Climate disinformation on the internet and social media. Analysis of the phenomenon

Abstract

Climate disinformation is a very serious challenge that modern societies must face. Authors of disinformation content use many tools and methods to interfere with discourse, including social media. They are often created and sponsored by industry representatives who spend millions of dollars on publications and advertising. The aim of the article is to attempt to analyse the phenomenon of climate disinformation on the Internet and social media. An important element here are the narratives exchanged by researchers on the subject, which include denying and disregarding climate change. They take the form of a delaying discourse, the aim of which is to postpone aid activities in the area of climate, or to convince that humans are unable to influence the climate in such a way as to change it. An important role is played by disinformation actors, i.e. a group of people and entities that create and distribute disinformation content. The selected research method is the desk research method based on the analysis of secondary sources regarding the analysed issue. The results of the analysis allow us to build a characterization of the polarized phenomenon of climate disinformation on the Internet and social media, present its components and who is responsible for it.